SriLankan Airlines has named Vipul Misra as its Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 9, 2026.
Misra brings more than two decades of experience in aircraft engineering, technical operations and aviation leadership. His career has included roles across several major Indian airlines, including Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Kingfisher Airlines and Air Deccan.
His experience spans different airline operating models, including legacy carriers, full-service airlines and low-cost carriers. This background covers both technical and operational aspects of airline management, providing experience across aircraft engineering and airline operations.
Misra takes over the acting CEO position as SriLankan Airlines continues to work on improving its operational performance and long-term financial sustainability. His appointment places an executive with an aircraft engineering background at the head of the national carrier during the interim period.
His technical experience is particularly relevant to an airline environment where aircraft availability, maintenance planning, operational reliability and fleet performance are closely linked to overall airline operations.
During his career, Misra has worked across different stages of the commercial aviation sector, gaining experience with airlines operating varied fleet types and business models. His exposure to both engineering and broader aviation management provides a background in managing technical requirements alongside operational priorities.
At SriLankan Airlines, his immediate role as Acting CEO will involve providing leadership while the carrier works towards its longer-term organisational and performance objectives.
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The airline’s fleet and technical operations require coordination between flight operations, aircraft maintenance, engineering, safety and other support functions. Misra’s aircraft engineering background could therefore provide a technical perspective as the carrier addresses operational requirements and fleet utilisation.
His appointment also reflects the importance of technical and engineering expertise within airline leadership, particularly as carriers seek to maintain aircraft availability and operational reliability while managing costs.
